Today@Dal

The Multifaith Calendar provides our community with a robust and interactive calendar, highlighting the range of important religious and cultural observations that recognizes and celebrates the diversity of faiths and cultural observances celebrated within the University.

Explore educational resources from the Office for Equity and Inclusion. 

June: Strawberry Moon

The sixth moon of creation is Strawberry Moon. The medicine of the strawberry is reconciliation. It is during this moon cycle that communities would hold their annual feasts. (Ojibwe)

June: National Indigenous History Month

An opportunity to recognize the historic contributions of Indigenous Peoples towards the development of Canada in addition to acknowledge the strength of present-day Indigenous communities and their promise for the future.

June 4: Saicho Dengyo Daishi Memorial

Anniversary of the death of Saicho Dengyo Daishi, who established the Tiantai/Tendai Sect in Japan. (Mahāyāna - Tiantai/Tendai)

June 4: Saicho Dengyo Daishi Memorial

Anniversary of the death of Saicho Dengyo Daishi, who established the Tiantai/Tendai Sect in Japan. (Mahāyāna - Tiantai/Tendai)

June 8: World Oceans Day 

Since the time it was proposed on June 8, 1992 by Canada at the Earth Summit, World Oceans Day has been celebrated in many countries to call attention to the importance of oceans and the life they contain for the future of the planet, and to the threats to their ecosystems. The Day was formally recognized by the UN in 2008. 

June 10: Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev Ji

Guru Arjan Dev Ji (1563-1606) was the first Sikh Martyr and the fifth Guru. He built the Harimandir Sahib (Home of the Divine) in which Sikhs could meet to learn, in the town of Amritsar (Pool of Nectar).

To emphasize that the Sikh way was open to all, regardless of caste, he constructed the Gurdwara with doors facing all four directions. Sikhs remember Guru Arjan Dev Ji for contributing to and compiling the Sikh Scriptures.

June 11: Eve of Shavuot

Observance begins at sundown.

June 12: First Day of Shavuot

Shavuot celebrates receiving God’s Torah on Mount Sinai and marks the conclusion of seven weeks of personal and communal introspection following Pesaḥ.

June 13: Second (Last) Day of Shavuot

Shavuot celebrates receiving God’s Torah on Mount Sinai and marks the conclusion of seven weeks of personal and communal introspection following Pesaḥ. (Both days are considered holy days.)

June 13: Ascension (E)

(For those Christians who follow the Julian calendar.) The anniversary of Jesus’ ascension into heaven and enthronement as universal sovereign. It comes forty days after Pascha (Easter).

June 16: Fathers Day

Fathers Day is observed on the third Sunday of June. It honors all fathers, and father figures for their contribution. It was created to complement Mothers Day. It is not a federal holiday.

June 16: Day of Ḥajj (Day at ‘Arafāt)

This day (also called Day at ʻArafāt) commemorates the last revelation to the Prophet at Mount ʻArafāt shortly before his death. Muslims on Ḥajj (pilgrimage) attend a service on the plains in front of Mount ʻArafāt. (Observance begins at sunset of the previous day, but special worship and prayers begin June 16.)

June 17: ʻĪd al-’Aḍḥá (Festival of Sacrifice)

Also called the Festival of Sacrifice, this day is the concluding act of pilgrimage and is observed even when not on pilgrimage. As Abraham offered his son, Ishmael, to God, Muslims offer sheep, goats & camels. They distribute the meat to the poor. (Observance begins at sunset of the previous day, but special worship and prayers begin June 17.)

June 18: Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro Anniversary

Anniversary of Jamyang Khyentse Chokyi Lodro. He was a major proponent of the Rime movement within Tibetan Buddhism, and had a profound influence on many of the Tibetan lamas teaching today. (Mahāyāna - Tibetan)

June 20: World Refugee Day

A Day to focus attention on the predicament of those tens of millions of people uprooted from their homes by war, famine, and persecution, among other causes. It was proclaimed in 2001 as an annual celebration of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, which was originally focused on refugees in Europe following WW2 but later expanded to cover all refugees.

June 20: Litha

Also called Midsummers Eve, Litha celebrates the consummation of the sacred marriage in which the energy of the God is poured out in the service of life. His sacrifice, resulting in his total immolation by the end of the season, sets the standard of self-giving in service to the Goddess. Litha comes on the June solstice.

June 20: June Solstice

The June solstice occurs at 20:46 UTC. This is the first day of summer (summer solstice) in the northern hemisphere and the first day of winter (winter solstice) in the southern hemisphere. (Sea and Sky)

June 21: National Indigenous Peoples Day 

National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place on the summer solstice, June 21. It’s a special occasion to learn more about the rich and diverse cultures, voices, experiences and histories of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

June 21: Poson

Anniversary of the arrival of the Arahant Mahinda, son of King Asoka, who first brought Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Poson is characterised by day-long processions and ceremonies at Mihintale which is now the site of a great Buddhist temple at Ambasthale Dagoba. (Theravāda)

June 23: Rahmat

Rahmat (Mercy) is the sixth month of the Bahá’í­ year.

June 23: Pentecost (E)

(For those Christians who follow the Julian calendar.) Pentecost is the commemoration of the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus following his ascension (Acts 2:1-11). It comes fifty days after Pascha (Easter).

June 27: Multiculturalism Day 

On November 13, 2002, the Government of Canada, by Royal Proclamation, designated June 27 of each year as Canadian Multiculturalism Day. This day is an opportunity to celebrate Canadas diversity and commitment to democracy, equality and mutual respect and to appreciate the contributions of the various multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society.

June 29: Fathers Day

Fathers Day is observed on the third Sunday of June. It honors all fathers, and father figures for their contribution. It was created to complement Mothers Day. It is not a federal holiday.

June 30: All Saints Day

(For those Christians who follow the Julian calendar.) A day to honor Christian saints throughout the ages.